VIDEO | Hardik Pandya announces his return to cricket by pulling off an absolute blinder

After Indian pacers called shots, in the beginning, to strangle New Zealand big-time, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav were brought back to the attack to do what they do best - slow the game down. Chahal was more attacking of the duo as he didn’t allow any room to Kane Williamson to open his arms. That added a lot of pressure on the hosts and Chahal took the benefit of it, with the help of Hardik Pandya, of course.

In the 17th over, Chahal bowled a flatter delivery which deceived Williamson completely and his search for that one break-free shot resulted in an over-ambitious shot. He came down the track, but he didn't get close to the ball and as such couldn't keep his flick down. The ball had enough air drift to be in the air after the shot.

As it went to mid-wicket, Pandya was alive to the opportunity and dived across to grab the ball. It was as good a catch as it could ever be and many, including the commentator, couldn’t believe it. However, Pandya seemed very relaxed after the catch for contributing to the team after a long hibernation from the international cricket.